might be some politics of business involved eg.,. trying to discredit the opposing product? why they test this brand and maybe never any of the other myriad of brands one might well wonder, and testing is expensive and needs to be paid for by someone, so it comes back to who pays wins. ok there are residues in product, i use sugar cane mulch it is easiest and cheapest to get, it will be full of residue, as growing cane is a high end user of chemicals,even if i could get spoilt lucerne hay, what residues might it have? if not direct fall out from a nearby agriculture application or coal fired power station?? me not going to get paranoid about it i won't have anything to use even the mushroom compost we use. very doubtful if residues will be made soluble for the plants so the plants can't take it up, yes the gardener can end up with it on their hands and fingers remedy wash after using products or even gardening. as for recalling it the maker has a huge bill now for no gain for gardeners. maybe the epa should do independent costly testing of residues in at least fresh fruit & vege's instead? now that does effect our health. len Here is a link that might be useful: lens straw bale garden

This is a very beautiful fir with an outstanding colour! It was found by Talon Buchholz in the higher mountains of Mexico.

Annette, Yes, it was one of the best gatherings we have had with a few over 90 serious heirloom growers. There were folks from NY,VA,TN,SC,OH,IN,GA,KY,NC.MI. Yes, several took pictures. I will try to post a link for one if I can find it. Some of our local folks took food and it was like feeding the multitudes! Food was enjoyed by all. I made six quarts of Salsa. In addition there were finger sandwiches, Salads, Baked goods of cake and pie, and other good eats. Folks who traveled long distance had spent the night before, some stayed over two nights. Looking forward to another great gathering next October! Gary

Please consider what your needs are in retirement. I have lived in two retirement houses and have learned that as you get older you cook less; you may not need a dining room plus a nice eat-in kitchen space. Those are a lot of bathrooms to keep clean unless your budget for household help is very generous. My husband and I have a desk each; one in the "library" aka guest room and one in the living room. This is sufficient; no study or office needed. Be sure that your everyday living spaces get lots of natural light...good for your spirit and good for your budget. Think about how much stuff you have and when you move get rid of everything you haven't used in a year. Don't leave this chore for your children when you die.